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Friday, February 27, 2015

Asakusa and kimono wearing experience in Tokyo

Asakusa is an oldest part of Tokyo
amidst skyscrapers. It lies in the lap of the most modern part of Tokyo and
probably that contributes to the charm of Asakusa. Located on the bank of
Sumida river this place is still breathing traditional Japanese air.

Asakusa is a district in Tokyo famous for
Sensoji Buddhist temple. It is one of the oldest and most famous temples of
Tokyo. Its history dates back to 7th century A.D. I believe even now
some Geisha houses are there in Asakusa. It was an entertainment district in
Tokyo before Shinjuku and other new districts took over this fame from Asakusa
in the later years.

Asakusa street

I decided to spend half a day in Asakusa
and went by train. When you are in older part of the town, it's an experience to be cladded in their traditional dress. I wanted to experience Kimono. My guide took me
to a place in one of the lanes of Asakusa for hiring the dress. There were
plenty of options and she asked me to choose my favorite color. I picked up
pink. Then for the next 15 minutes the
lady in the shop was busy in wrapping the Kimono and tieing the ribbons. Before
wrapping me in Kimono, she checked with me if i want to use the toilet as it is not easy to
go to toilet after wearing. She wrapped me in the Kimono and tied me with many pieces of
sash one after the other, making me feel difficult to breath. Wondering the
number of layers I ask her for the count. She says ‘there are 27 pieces ‘ !!

I loved the way they make butterfly design
in the back with a sash which I guess was about 3-4 meters. They call it as
Obi

Obi of my Kimono

Do you know ? One can’t wear Kimono without
someone’s support and lot of tying is required.

I was told there are many varieties of
Kimono and it will be different for different ceremonies.It reminded of myIndian saree heritage, where one wears
different varieties of Sarees for different events. Mine was a simple version. But it is a lengthy process having multiple accessories. Kimono doesn't flaunt the figure but it gives elegant look me thinks.

Then there is hairdo. She couldn’t do much
with my short hair. But placed a nice clip with matching flowers on one side.
Can I go now ? No.. Kimonois complete
only after white socks and traditional footwear. It was served. Now I am ready to exploreAsakusa in Kimono.

Ready to explore Asakusa in Kimono

As we enter through the big gate, Kaminarimon(thunder gate) with a big red lantern, we can see the sensoji temple. It is hardly 200 mts
away from the first gate. How much time do you think it will take to walk
across 200 mts ?

5 minutes maximum ?!

But I bet you can’t reach. Shops around will not allow you to move. I took more
than an hour. As we moved through the gate it opened upto the temple shopping street, Nakamise Dory
shopping arcade.

Nakamise shopping street is always crowded

There are about 200 shops lined up in couple of rows. Time flies
away just like that. You can find souvenirs of all kinds here: T shirts ,
dolls, trinkets, Kimonos, masks and many more things lure the tourists to stop
a while before reaching Sensoji temple. It is very colorful and crowded. I was
in Asakusa twice in different time of the day. It was always crowded. I did
window shopping. Didn’t buy anything. I generally don’t buy any souvenirs from
anywhere.

Incense pot in Sensoji temple

After crossing the shopping street there is
a gate which takes us to Sensoji temple courtyard. There is an incense pot.
People burn incense here. Smoke of that is supposed to be good for good health.

Sensoji temple entrance with big red lantern

Then I enter into the temple. The legend has it that in 7th century few fisherman found the
statue of Bodhisattva Kannon and temple wasbuilt in reverence to Bodhisattva. However, another priest after him had
a dream and got revelation that the statue should be hidden. Even today the
statue is not open for public. What I saw in the altar is two statues and a red
curtain. I was told that the Bodhisatva statue is behind the curtain and these
two statues are guarding that.

Sensoji temple altar

There is a five storied pagoda next to the
temple and similar to any other place in Tokyo the entire temple complex was crowded.

Sensoji temple and pagoda

I then walked around the less crowded roads
of Asakusa for some time before I returned my kimono. It was a nice
when the locals were stopping by and complimenting my dress. Though there were
many other foreigners mainly Chinese wearing Kimono, my brown Indian skin drew their
attention i guess. Nevertheless I enjoyed every bit of the kind words grinning ear to
ear.

Useful info -

- Sensoji temple is open from morning till evening- Asakusa
can be reached by subway Ginza line exit
- It can
also be reached by Sumida river cruise
- Public toilet available in the temple complex - No
dress code to enter the temple. Photography is allowed- I hired
the kimono from Sakura.They have good collection . Cloths were clean and in good condition. They have kimono for men as well.